A year and a half ago more than one animal control officer came in to enlighten us on what they do, and how to report animal abuse
National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week was last week, and we’d like to shed some light on it. Every 2nd week of April, people all over the country say thank you to all the animal control officers that help animals and people in their communities. Read on to learn more about the Police Abuse Investigate team and steps that you can take to report animal abuse.
What Do Animal Control Officers Do?
Animal control officers find and pick up stray animals, and sadly, sometimes those who have passed. There is so much more to their jobs. They seek justice in cases of neglected, abused, and abandoned animals. They conduct investigations along with bringing in helpless animals and protecting them from abusers. They also protect people in the community from dangerous animals.
Sometimes people have a negative view of animal control officers. They consider them “dog catchers” who sneak around and take dogs from their yard, but this is untrue. These courageous officers work day and night to help the community, sometimes putting themselves in harm’s way. We want to give you a day in the life of an animal control officer. They help with scenarios such as these:
- A dog running out onto an interstate
- A deer stuck on a fence
- A raccoon roaming around putting pets and people at risk
So we stress once again that the help that they provide is two-fold. They protect animals and citizens equally.
How to Report Animal Abuse
Animal abuse is indeed a crime like any other crime. If you see that someone is inflicting harm or abuse on an animal, call 911 immediately. The Police Abuse Investigative Team responds to all incidents of animal abuse and cruelty. For any issue that does not need police involvement, or is a “non-emergency,” you can call 410-887-2222.
How You Can Observe National Officer Appreciation Week
If you ever see a local animal control officer, give them a thumbs up and thank them. What’s also helpful for them (and pet owners) is making sure your pet is licensed and has identification. Your local animal officer will be happy to know that your pet has had their regular vaccinations. A tag or microchip will help officers identify your pet and anyone else should they ever go astray. To learn more about the benefits of microchipping, click here. To learn more about how to tag and microchip your pet, click here.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!